Local Fairs Promote Love of Gardening Master Gardeners contribute to local fair competitions by judging produce, horticultural products, and even can goods. Master Gardener College 2019 offers Master Gardeners the opportunity to become a Certified Fair Judge.
By: Devon Johnson Summer brings county fairs, complete with competitions for the best produce, cut flowers, potted plants, and can goods. Many Master Gardeners around the commonwealth play an integral role in their local fairs by serving as judges to evaluate the horticultural products entered in these contests--and of course, many more Master Gardeners participate in their local fair competitions as entrants! Local fairs are also an important venue to promote gardening to the public and provide an opportunity for local gardeners to show off the products of their labor.
“Fair competitions produce enthusiasm for gardening” says Wendy Silverman, New River Valley Master Gardener Coordinator. “It’s a chance for people to show off their efforts in the garden and promote a love of gardening to others.” Master Gardeners in the New River Valley and elsewhere serve as judges for their local fairs. “Right now we help with the NRV Fair and the Shawsville Tomato Festival” says Silverman, adding that Master Gardeners judge the horticultural categories (cut flowers and potted plants), while 4H and Master
In Season | Spring 2019 | 13
